Corbyn ‘threat to terror policy’

A LABOUR government under Jeremy Corbyn could spell the end to Britain’s reputation as an honest broker in attempting to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, a leading think tank has warned.

In a briefing paper on Labour foreign policy released this week, the Bicom research centre suggested that Mr Corbyn’s approach to the Middle East would “drive a wedge” between the UK and “both Israel and Western-aligned Arab states”, as well as threatening Israeli investment in Britain.

James Sorene, Bicom’s chief executive, said there had been a consensus between the main political parties in the UK of support for Israel and a negotiated two-state solution.

“When Jeremy Corbyn issued his statement on the night of the Balfour centenary celebrations calling for recognition of a Palestinian state and calling for international pressure on Israel, you realise the consensus was broken,” he said.

The report finds that, as prime minister, the Labour leader would seek much warmer relations with Iran, in stark contrast to the current government’s position.

Mr Sorene warned: “If Labour moves too close to Iran, and Hamas and Hezbollah, then this will also undermine international efforts to fight terrorism and even limit the sharing of vital intelligence that saves British lives. If Labour recognises a Palestinian state and adopts the Palestinian position of putting international pressure on Israel, it could lose its influence with Israel to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He added that decades of intelligence and defence co-operation, thriving bilateral trade between the UK and Israel were at risk.

Responding to the Bicom report, a spokesperson for Mr Corbyn said: “Labour supports the call most recently made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for a comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution — a secure Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine.”